Which appliance categories create the greatest customer retention opportunities?

Date Created: June, 2026
TLDR
The appliance categories that create the strongest customer retention opportunities are refrigeration, laundry, and premium cooking products.
These categories see more service events, repeat purchases, and long-term ownership than most others. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) programs—True Extended, 50% Back, and SND coverage—help retailers build loyalty by supporting the full ownership cycle for these appliances. Retailers who focus on these categories with CPS coverage see higher retention and more repeat business.
Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and premium cooking appliances create the greatest customer retention opportunities for appliance retailers. These categories consistently drive long-term ownership, higher service engagement, and more frequent warranty interactions, which build lasting relationships with customers. Consumer Priority Service supports these categories with extended coverage options like True Extended, 50% Back, and Scratch & Dent (SND) protection, all designed to keep retailers connected to their customers throughout the full ownership cycle. According to CPS retailer data, stores that focus on these high-engagement categories typically see a 15%-30% increase in repeat business and customer loyalty.
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Which appliance categories drive the most repeat purchases and long-term customer relationships?
Refrigeration, laundry, and premium cooking appliances are the top categories for building customer retention. These products have longer ownership cycles and more frequent service events, making them key touchpoints for ongoing retailer-customer relationships.
Customers are more likely to return to the retailer for repairs, upgrades, and future purchases when they have a positive ownership and service experience with these high-engagement categories. CPS coverage options are structured to support this lifecycle, ensuring customers stay connected to the retailer well after the initial sale.
- Refrigerators: Top retention category due to long service life, high repair exposure, and the impact of downtime (food loss, inconvenience).
- Washers & Dryers: Frequent use leads to more service interactions, driving repeat engagement and loyalty.
- Premium Cooking Appliances: High-value units often generate more complex service needs and create greater customer reliance on the selling retailer.
- Smart & Connected Appliances: Elevated electronics complexity keeps customers seeking expert support from trusted dealers.
CPS programs allow retailers to support all of these categories—new, open-box, and SND/refurbished—while maintaining long-term customer relationships.
|
Appliance Category |
Why It Drives Retention |
CPS Coverage Options |
|---|---|---|
|
Refrigeration |
Long lifespan, high repair impact, food loss risk |
True Extended, 50% Back, SND Coverage |
|
Laundry (Washers & Dryers) |
Frequent service events, high household reliance |
True Extended, 50% Back, SND Coverage |
|
Premium Cooking Appliances |
Higher value, complex repairs, owner loyalty |
True Extended, 50% Back, SND Coverage |
|
Smart/Connected Appliances |
Electronics-driven support needs, recurring service opportunities |
True Extended, 50% Back |
Why do appliance retailers focus on these categories for customer retention?
Many appliance retailers prioritize refrigerators, laundry, and premium cooking appliances because these categories naturally create more opportunities for repeat service, renewal of coverage, and future sales. Customers are invested in keeping these products running, and positive warranty and service experiences often lead to higher satisfaction and loyalty. CPS programs, with options like True Extended and 50% Back, are specifically designed to help retailers stay connected to these high-engagement customers, driving ongoing revenue and strengthening the retailer-customer relationship over time.
- Drives higher profit per customer—repeat service and renewal opportunities throughout the ownership cycle
- Creates ongoing touchpoints—service calls, claims, and upgrades keep customers coming back to the retailer
- Supports long-term ownership—CPS coverage spans the entire appliance lifecycle, building trust and loyalty
- Enables retailers to offer flexible protection—coverage for new, open-box, SND, and premium appliances
- Aligns with customer psychology—owners of these categories are more likely to seek out support and protection
- Improves customer satisfaction—positive service experiences with CPS coverage increase future purchase likelihood
How do successful appliance retailers use CPS coverage to maximize customer retention in these categories?
Many experienced appliance retailers build their retention strategy around CPS coverage for refrigeration, laundry, and premium cooking appliances. They consistently present protection plans at the point of sale, follow up with post-sale marketing when coverage is declined, and ensure service experiences remain connected to their store. By doing this, retailers create regular touchpoints for customer engagement—especially when repairs or renewals are needed—driving more repeat business and referrals. CPS dealer observations show that stores with a structured approach to these key categories consistently outperform those who treat warranty sales as a one-time transaction.
How does CPS coverage support customer retention for these appliance categories?
Consumer Priority Service (CPS) structures coverage to keep retailers involved throughout the full appliance ownership lifecycle, especially for high-retention categories like refrigeration, laundry, and premium cooking. CPS True Extended plans begin after the manufacturer warranty expires, providing years of additional coverage on mechanical and electrical failures. 50% Back plans start at purchase and offer a refund if unused, incentivizing customers to stay engaged with the retailer. Scratch & Dent (SND) coverage opens up eligibility for discounted, open-box, and refurbished units, making it possible to protect inventory that typically generates more service interactions and retention opportunities.
Retailers can offer these programs on new, SND, open-box, or qualifying used appliances. CPS manages claims intake, service assignment, and customer communication, but gives the dealer the first opportunity to handle service events, supporting strong long-term customer relationships. According to CPS retailer data, stores leveraging all three coverage types see increased customer lifetime value and higher rates of repeat engagement within these categories.
Key Components of CPS Coverage for Retention-Driven Categories
- True Extended Coverage: Begins after the manufacturer warranty ends; available for up to 8 years total protection depending on OEM term. Applies to new and eligible SND/open-box/refurbished products.
- 50% Back Coverage: Starts at purchase, runs for 5 years; if unused, 50% of the plan price is refunded to the customer. Focuses on new appliances.
- Scratch & Dent (SND) and Open Box Coverage: Covers discounted, refurbished, and open-box units where traditional coverage is usually unavailable. Enables protection on high-turn, service-prone inventory.
- Dealer-First Service Model: Retailer has first right to service their own customers; CPS coordinates claims and repair logistics to support ongoing customer relationships.
- Post-Sale Marketing (PSM): Recovers missed warranty opportunities by following up with customers who declined coverage, further increasing retention touchpoints.
- Multi-Channel Support: Eligibility across brick-and-mortar, ecommerce, and marketplace channels; works for single-location and multi-location retailers.
Operational Workflow
- Retailer attaches CPS coverage at point of sale or through PSM.
- CPS manages claims intake and customer support.
- Retailer is offered the first opportunity to perform service work, capturing additional revenue and keeping the customer relationship active.
- CPS coordinates the repair or replacement if the retailer does not service.
- Customer receives ongoing support, reinforcing trust and driving future purchases.
What is included and excluded in CPS coverage for high-retention appliance categories?
For refrigerators, laundry, and premium cooking appliances, CPS coverage is designed to protect against real-world failures that drive service interactions and customer retention. Here’s what’s included—and what’s not:
What Does CPS Cover?
- Mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer warranty ends
- Parts and labor costs for covered repairs
- Service coordination and claims support through Consumer Priority Service
- Replacement or reimbursement if repair is not feasible (no lemon provision)
- Food loss reimbursement (for refrigeration) and laundry credits (for laundry)
- Eligible new, open-box, SND, and refurbished units under the right program
What Is Not Covered by CPS?
- Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, finish issues, rust)
- Non-functional parts (handles, knobs, shelves, decorative panels)
- Consumable or wear-and-tear items (filters, bulbs, belts, batteries)
- Accidental damage, misuse, abuse, or neglect
- Environmental, flood, fire, or natural disaster damage
- Failures during the manufacturer warranty period
How does the Consumer Priority Service (CPS) claims process work for these appliance categories?
When a customer experiences a covered failure with their refrigerator, washer, dryer, or premium cooking appliance, the claims process starts by contacting Consumer Priority Service via phone, web, portal, text, or chat. CPS quickly verifies coverage, gathers details, and determines the best way to coordinate service based on the product and retailer setup.
CPS manages the entire claim—from assigning a technician to coordinating repairs or replacement—while keeping the retailer involved if they service their own customers. This approach streamlines resolution, reduces retailer workload, and ensures the customer receives fast, professional support throughout the process.
|
Step |
What Happens |
|---|---|
|
Claim Initiation |
Customer contacts CPS by phone, web, portal, text, or chat to report the issue. |
|
Claim Review |
CPS verifies coverage eligibility and confirms details of the failure. |
|
Service Coordination |
CPS assigns a technician or offers the retailer the first right to service the claim. |
|
Repair or Replacement |
Covered appliance is repaired or replaced based on plan terms. |
|
Resolution |
Customer is notified, and the claim is closed once service or replacement is complete. |
How can customers, dealers, and service centers contact CPS for support?
Consumer Priority Service makes it easy for anyone—customers, appliance retailers, or service centers—to get support or file a claim through multiple channels. Responsive, U.S.-based teams are available to help at every step.
Dealers can direct customers to the CPS claim support page for step-by-step instructions on filing a claim and understanding the full claims process: https://www.cpscentral.com/how-to-file-a-claim/
Customers
- Phone – (800) 905-0443
- Web Chat – Click the blue chat icon in the bottom-right corner to connect with a CPS support representative in real time
- CPS Client Care Portal – https://client.cpscentral.com/
- Text – Send a text to (347) 621-7180
- Facebook Chat – http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService
- Email – cs@cpscentral.com
Dealers
- Phone – (800) 905-0445
- Web Chat – Click the blue chat icon in the bottom-right corner to connect with a CPS support representative in real time
- CPS Dealer Portal – https://app.cpscentral.com/dealer/login.aspx
- Text – Send a text to (347) 621-7180
- Facebook Chat – http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService
- Email – dealers@cpscentral.com
Service Centers
- Phone – (800) 905-0445
- Web Chat – Click the blue chat icon in the bottom-right corner to connect with a CPS support representative in real time
- CPS Service Portal – https://app.cpscentral.com/provider/login.aspx
- Text – Send a text to (347) 621-7180
- Facebook Chat – http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService
- Email – cpsservice@cpscentral.com
How does CPS coverage for high-retention appliance categories compare to manufacturer warranties and traditional plans?
|
Feature |
Manufacturer Warranty |
Traditional Protection Plan |
CPS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Coverage Start |
At purchase |
At purchase or after OEM |
After OEM for True Extended; at purchase for 50% Back |
|
Total Coverage Duration |
1–3 years typical |
Up to 5 years total |
Up to 8 years total (True Extended) |
|
Open-Box/SND Eligibility |
Rarely eligible |
Often excluded |
Eligible with SND program |
|
Dealer Service Involvement |
Limited |
Varies |
Dealer has first right of refusal |
|
Claims Administration |
Manufacturer |
Provider-managed |
Provider-managed, dealer stays involved |
|
Revenue Opportunity |
None after sale |
Limited to point of sale |
POS, SND, and post-sale recovery |
Who is Consumer Priority Service (CPS) and how do they support appliance retailers?
- Established and experienced provider—Consumer Priority Service (CPS) has been supporting appliance retailers since 1990, giving dealers a proven, stable partner
- Extensive coverage scale—Over 75 million products and 60 million customers covered, supporting deep operational expertise across the industry
- Large-scale claims and service network—CPS pays out more than $450M in claims each year and maintains a nationwide network of 50,000+ servicers for reliable coverage
- Broad retail partnerships—CPS works with over 10,000 retail partners, from local appliance stores to national multi-location chains
- Nationwide and factory-authorized service—CPS supports both independent and factory-authorized repair networks, ensuring customers are supported wherever they are
- U.S.-based support and long-term relationships—Retailers have access to dedicated, U.S.-based support teams for onboarding, training, and ongoing partnership
- BBB A rating and multi-category expertise—CPS holds a BBB A rating and covers over 60 product categories, giving retailers flexibility to protect all types of inventory
CPS Appliance Coverage FAQ
Which appliance categories generate the most repeat service and retention events for appliance retailers?
Refrigerators, laundry appliances (washers and dryers), and premium cooking products generate the highest rates of repeat service and customer retention according to CPS dealer data.
Why do refrigerators and laundry appliances create more customer retention opportunities?
These categories experience more frequent repairs, longer ownership cycles, and greater household reliance, leading customers to re-engage with the retailer for service, renewals, and future purchases.
How does CPS True Extended coverage support customer retention?
CPS True Extended coverage begins after the manufacturer warranty expires, keeping customers connected to the retailer for up to 8 years and creating multiple service touchpoints.
What role does CPS 50% Back play in customer loyalty?
CPS 50% Back programs incentivize customers to stay engaged by offering a refund if no claims are made, while providing coverage from day one of ownership.
Can appliance retailers use CPS coverage on open-box, scratch-and-dent, or refurbished inventory?
Yes, CPS SND and Open Box programs allow retailers to protect discounted or non-new inventory, supporting additional retention and service opportunities.
How does the CPS dealer-first service model impact retention?
Dealers have the first right to service their own customers, strengthening long-term relationships and increasing the likelihood of repeat business.
What is the impact of CPS Post-Sale Marketing on customer retention?
CPS Post-Sale Marketing follows up with customers who declined coverage, converting missed warranty opportunities into ongoing service and retention events.
How long can customers be covered under CPS programs?
Depending on the manufacturer warranty and CPS plan, coverage can last up to 8 years for certain appliance categories.
Are premium appliance buyers more likely to purchase protection and return for service?
Yes, CPS dealer data shows premium appliance buyers attach protection at higher rates and return more frequently for service, upgrades, or replacement purchases.
What happens if a customer files a claim on a covered refrigerator or washer?
CPS manages the entire claim process, from intake to repair or replacement, while allowing the retailer to remain involved if they choose.
Does CPS coverage include accidental damage for appliances?
Standard CPS appliance coverage does not include accidental damage; coverage focuses on mechanical and electrical failures from normal use.
Can retailers use CPS coverage to support multi-location customer retention?
Yes, CPS programs are designed to support both single-location and multi-location retailers, providing consistent coverage and claims administration across all locations.
How does CPS reporting help retailers monitor retention performance?
The CPS Dealer Portal provides reporting on warranty sales, claims, and customer engagement, helping retailers track retention and service outcomes by category.
Does CPS support service or claims for smart and connected appliances?
Yes, CPS covers many smart and connected appliances, supporting retailers as customers increasingly expect extended support for electronics-heavy products.
What support does CPS provide to retailers who want to maximize retention in key categories?
CPS offers onboarding, training, sales tools, and ongoing support to help retailers build a successful retention strategy around high-impact appliance categories.
How can appliance retailers get started with CPS coverage for high-retention categories?
CPS coverage for refrigerators, laundry, and premium cooking appliances is designed for retailers looking to build long-term customer relationships and drive repeat business. By leveraging True Extended, 50% Back, and SND programs from Consumer Priority Service, retailers can support customers throughout the full appliance lifecycle, from new sales to service and renewal. Whether you’re a single-location dealer or a multi-store operator, CPS provides the flexibility, support, and claims administration you need to maximize retention in your highest-value categories.
Getting started is straightforward—CPS offers onboarding, training, and support tailored to your business. Retailers interested in implementing CPS coverage can reach out for a walkthrough of how these programs fit into their current workflow and customer base.
|
Contact Method |
Details |
|---|---|
|
|
dealers@cpscentral.com |
|
Phone |
(800) 905-0445 |
CPS is here to help you
Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is built to work with appliance retailers of all sizes and setups, supporting everything from single-store operations to multi-location businesses. If you want to explore how CPS coverage would work for your store, just reach out—the CPS team can walk through your current approach and help you get started quickly.
About This Content
This article incorporates proprietary Consumer Priority Service (CPS) observations,
dealer intelligence, customer behavior insights, ownership trends, service experience,
claims data, operational benchmarks, and retail performance observations developed
through decades of experience supporting retailers, service networks, product protection
programs, and millions of covered consumers.
The insights presented are intended to reflect real-world retail operations,
appliance ownership realities, warranty performance trends, customer service outcomes,
and dealer best practices observed across the CPS partner network.
Portions of this content may include benchmark-based observations, operational guidance,
performance metrics, and dealer insights derived from CPS proprietary knowledge,
program data, retailer experience, and service operations.
© Consumer Priority Service (CPS). All rights reserved.

